Beta Kappa Iota—the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at Eduardo J. Padrón Campus—was awarded the Student Service Chapter Award for the state during the All-Florida Academic Team Virtual Ceremony on April 14.
The award recognizes a chapter that performs excellent community service throughout the semester. It was presented by Florida College System Chancellor Kathryn Hebda.
“It is an honor to win this award. We do all these things to help others and do something bigger than ourselves,” said Susana Piedrahita, president of Beta Kappa Iota. “Just getting recognized with this award fills us with pride and makes us know that what we are doing is worth it and we are making a difference in people’s lives.”
The chapter was recognized for its Honors in Action project, a task that combines academic research and problem solving to address community challenges. The project, W.H.E Against COVID, focused on sending virtual inspirational messages to those helping during the pandemic—including frontline workers and veterans—and thanking them for their service.
They also fundraised $4,000 through events like virtual 5Ks and food distributions. The money was donated to the Lotus House, a nonprofit organization that provides shelter for women.
